MSU student in Wash. jail after shotgun threat

November 20, 2012

A Mississippi State University student reported missing last week is in custody of the Connell Police Department in Connell, Wash., after he was charged Saturday with second degree assault and possession of an unlawful weapon for allegedly threatening a police officer with a shotgun.
James Thomas Hall, 20, of Huntsville, Ala., was placed on the National Crime Information Centerâ€™s list of missing persons for just over 24 hours when Starkville Police Department was notified Hall had been found. According to an SPD press release, a CPD officer pulled Hall over for running a stop sign. When the officer approached the passenger side of the vehicle, he noticed a sawed off shotgun in Hallâ€™s lap pointed at the driverâ€™s side window. It was then that Hall allegedly told the officer he would shoot him.
According to CPD Police Chief Mike Kessler, the officer drew his weapon on Hall and ordered him not to move. He said Hall then followed the commands given to him and peacefully surrendered.
Kessler confirmed a statement in the SPD release that CPD officers found a note in Hallâ€™s vehicle that stated Hall wanted â€śto see the Pacific Ocean.â€ť
SPD Detective Scotty Carrithers said the initial call of Hallâ€™s disappearance was made by a family member last Thursday who reported she had last spoken to him the night before. Carrithers confirmed Hallâ€™s family was notified of the arrest Saturday night. Chief David Lindley said there was a welfare concern when the report was taken because the family member notified SPD that Hall may try to harm himself.
As of press time, Hall was on a 72-hour hold and must post a $50,000 bond on each count before he is released.
MSU Director of University Relations Sid Salter confirmed the university was made aware of Hallâ€™s disappearance and subsequent arrest. Officials confirmed Hall did not live on campus.
â€śMSU has been notified through law enforcement channels that the student has been located and is safe,â€ť Salter said. â€śBeyond that, the matter remains a police investigation involving an off-campus incident and the university will have no additional comment.â€ť
Salter confirmed the university noted an interruption in Hallâ€™s attendance.